Tag Archives: GPS

Telit, a global enabler of the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced thatPLK Technology (PLK)has selected Telit’s SL869-V2 GNSS IoT module to deliver positioning functionality for Optian, a new product combining the features of an Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS) and a high-end automotive black box.

ADAS are systems found in modern vehicles designed to automate, adapt and enhance vehicle safety and driver experience. Safety features in ADAS include warnings for collision and accident avoidance which help drivers implement safeguards, and sharpen their focus on control of the vehicle. Adaptive ADAS features help by automating lighting, providing adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking, incorporating GPS and traffic warnings, connecting smartphones, alerting drivers about dangerous driving situations, keeping the driver within the lane of traffic and enhancing visibility of the vehicle’s blind spots.

Telit’sSL869-V2is a subminiature multi-satellite receiver module that can be installed in vehicles, industrial, wearable and portable digital devices. It delivers a high level of stability for navigation applications by tracking GPS and GLONASS at the same time, relaying accurate and fast-refreshing positioning information.

PLK started in 2000 as an in-house venture firm as part of Hyundai Motor Company and was later spun off in 2003. It specializes in the development and production of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) utilizing camera image sensors to recognize lanes, vehicles, light sources, traffic lights and pedestrians. PLK was the first to develop a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) based on color image recognition and, in 2006, became the first to line-fit it into vehicles (Hyundai Motor Company). PLK systems quickly became widely recognized for their performance and, have since 2009 been equipping 15 models around the world, including in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, China and Australia, in addition to Hyundai and KIA passenger cars.

“It is rewarding to secure the Optian project for Telit’s GNSS module. The selection process was very stringent and PLK’s choice of the SL869-V2 is a testament to the quality and performance of the product,” said Steven Kim, Sr. Sales Director of Telit Korea. “Telit GNSS modules are not only successful in the automotive sector but also in various other industries. We expect that cooperation with PLK will expand as they continue developing innovative systems and products that make driving a safer experience for motorists everywhere.”

TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation), the leading stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) provider, recently played a key role in helping Manchester Police recover a stolen Mercedes A45 AMG. Valued at £42,000, the vehicle was reported missing by a neighbour, who saw the burglary take place at the owner’s house in Broadheath. Luckily, the car was fitted with a tracking device and the silent signal emitted led police to the stolen vehicle.

The Mercedes A45 AMG’s big price tag made it a key target for the thieves, who also stole a Rolex watch and other valuables when they broke into the owner’s home. Fortunately, once the tracking device on the vehicle was activated, police received a signal via TRACKER’s Mesh Network, and they were able to locate the vehicle whilst it was still on the move in Manchester.

The Mesh Network takes advantage of vehicles fitted with TRACKER SVR devices, which in essence ‘listen’ out for reported stolen vehicles that have a TRACKER device fitted. This brings drivers together to create a UK wide network of ‘listening vehicles’ which can help pinpoint the location of a stolen vehicle fitted with TRACKER. Both drivers are totally unaware that the stolen vehicle has been identified by TRACKER’s Mesh Network.

“Our close working relationship with the UK police forces means we are able to close the net on thieves who target high value vehicles,” explains Adrian Davenport, Police Liaison Manager for TRACKER. “Our unique combination of GSM, VHF and GPS technology means we can help police locate vehicles, even if they are hidden underground, in a garage or a shipping container.

“Although a tracking device won’t stop a car being stolen, it does increase the chances of police recovering and returning the vehicle to its owner. With thieves targeting high value vehicles, by getting around in-built security systems and finding new ways to hide them, TRACKER’s technology offers car owners a greater level of protection than any of its competitors and helps police tackle car theft head on.”

Mark Diamond, Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit at Greater Manchester Police, adds, “Luckily for the owner of this Mercedes the vehicle had a tracking device fitted, as many owners may not realise the importance of having one installed. This was crucial in helping us locate and recover the vehicle. We’ve seen an increase in the number of high value cars being stolen, as criminals find clever ways to hide them. However, TRACKER’s technology helps officers on the ground launch a quick response to a signal, helping us locate vehicles and make arrests.”

With a smartphone in almost every pocket and e-bicycles constantly getting better, it was only a matter of time when the two would start working together.

Visiobike, an e-bike project from Croatia is an electric bike that goes hand-in-hand with your smartphone. You can use the phone to unlock the bike, track your speed or even see what’s behind you using the built-in rear camera.

We had a chance to go hands-on with a late Visiobike prototype, and we were impressed with the amount of details and thought put into the project.

The smartphone (both Android and iPhone are supported) has a dedicated cradle on the bike’s handlebar, but it connects to the bike wirelessly, via Bluetooth. You can see a GPS map of your surroundings or statistics about your ride on the phone, with all your data being stored in the cloud.

Another important feature is automatic accident recording and emergency alert if Visiobike detects an impact. And on the security front, the Visiobike has GPS tracking and a motion sensor with SMS notification, so that you know what’s happening with your bike at all times.

We’ve seen e-bike-smartphone integration before — the Gi bike has done something similar, but with its folding design, it’s a very different bicycle.

The Visiobike doesn’t fold and has a much more sporty look: with a carbon fiber body, huge 180mm/160mm hydraulic disc brakes and a SR Suntour fork, it looks like a slightly bulkier mountain bike.

It weighs 46.3 pounds, which one of the project’s founders Marko Matenda calls the ideal weight. “It provides for a great motor and a hefty-enough battery, but it’s light enough that you can carry it up a flight of stairs,” he says.

While we could manage a couple of floors, be warned: 46 pounds is much heavier than a regular mountain bike and carrying the Visiobike any higher than a few stairs might be an issue for some users.

For comparison, the aforementioned Gi bike weighs 37.4 pounds, while Rimac Automobili’s Greyp G 12 e-bike — also a Croatian project — weighs 108 pounds, but it makes up for the extra weight with a lot of power, top speed being 40 mph.

Visiobike is available with two different motors, one providing 250W and the other 500W of power, with top speed being either 15.5 mph or 31.1 mph. However, it’s not a bike that drives itself; instead, it’s a pedelec, meaning the motor merely assists you when you need power.

You simply hop on the bike and start pedaling as you would with a standard bike. Start climbing up a hill, and it will feel pretty much the same, as the bike’s motor supplies the extra power. We’ve tried the Visiobike with an automatic transmission, meaning you don’t have to worry about gears — you merely set how much help you want to get from the motor and start riding.

The lithium-ion, 14.5Ah battery lasts for around 62 miles, after which you’ll need to plug the bike into a regular outlet and recharge it for three hours.

With all these options and variants, saying how much the Visiobike costs is not that simple. The basic version with the weaker motor costs $5,318, while the best possible variant (automatic transmission and the rear camera included) will set you back $6,749.

Matenda tells us the company is looking into launching a variant with a cheaper, aluminum frame down the road. “We’ll try to bring the price down, but we’re starting with the premium model. We want the experience with the Visiobike to be amazing.”

Copenhagen Airport is Scandinavia’s center for international air traffic and main transfer point amongst the many national and regional airports in Scandinavia and the area south of the Baltic Sea.

Business challenges

To ensure maximum safety for all passengers, Copenhagen Airport operations regularly measures weather-related runway conditions, such as temperature and moisture, to store and analyze data and provide status information to incoming flights. However, measuring variables like runway traction cannot be accomplished using typical sensor solutions, and the VHF datalink being used by Copenhagen Airport’s Runway Observation System (ROS) provided poor coverage. For the system to be truly mission critical, the runway area coverage issues needed to be addressed.

”We contacted Sierra Wireless distributor Daimler Mobile Partner who recommended we use the AirLink MP880W router,” explained Thomas Lantz-Pedersen, project manager for Copenhagen Airport. ”We are very fond of the product’s durability, speed and functions, and it works – as it was supposed to – under even the most difficult conditions. Even the installation, with the PC, was done quickly and easily”

The MP880W ultra-rugged in-vehicle GPS router comes equipped with an 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi chip to increase flexibility and enable mobile hotspots with enhanced WAP security. The MP880W also meets US Military and SAE specifications for vibration, shock, drop and more. With the specialized Saab 95 Combo vehicle driving on the runway at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour, the driver depends on the consistent, reliable broadband communication provided by the MP880W to detect and relay even the smallest details that can affect flight security.

Copenhagen Airport’s specialized measurement system using the AirLink MP880W ultra-rugged in-vehicle GPS router produced the following benefits:

An easier luggage process and less stress for the passenger thanks to two smart innovations using M2M technology. KPN, Fast Track Company and Air France/KLM/Delta Airlines are working on two innovations for easier tracking and tracing of luggage.

Never loosing luggage again thanks to ‘Connected’ suitcases

An easier luggage process and less stress for the passenger thanks to two smart innovations on basis of M2M technology. KPN, Fast Track Company and Air France/KLM/Delta Airlines are working on two innovations for easier tracking and tracing of luggage.

With M2M technology the position of just about every piece of luggage can be determined, anywhere in the world and at any time. From this basis, KPN, FastTrack Company and Air France/KLM/Delta Airlines started to make M2M applicable for the luggage processes in aviation. The results are eTrack and eTag, two applications that can be used both combined and separately.

eTrack: Always know where luggage is

eTrack is a compact device that a passenger can put in his suitcase or travel bag and that continuously tracks its location via GPS and GSM. With a special eTrack app, one can track the luggage piece accurately, wherever in the world. eTrack uses the patented Auto Flight Mode, that meets all international rules for the use of GSM and radio signals on board of airplanes.

Also, eTrack helps to prevent theft, by connecting the luggage piece to the owner’s smartphone via Bluetooth. As soon as the owner and the luggage are a certain distance away from each other – a distance set by the owner -, the alarm sounds on the smartphone. Besides, with eTrack it is very easy to check whether a luggage piece has been opened between check-in and baggage claim.

eTag: faster luggage process

eTag is an electronic luggage tag with two e-ink displays that can already be provided with the right barcode with flight information during online check-in. With this, the passenger arranges his boarding pass and luggage tag. This adds to the swiftness and efficiency of the luggage process and reduces waiting at the luggage drop-off. The traveler inscribes eTag with his eTrack, or directly from his eTrack app via Bluetooth.

Also, the passenger and flight information is being stored on the built-in RFID-chip. Last mentioned technology is on the increase in aviation as a track and trace application in the luggage process.

Air France/KLM/Delta Airlines, Fast Track Company and KPN expect to introduce eTag and eTrack this autumn. Samsonite will integrate the eTag and the eTrack in alimited edition suitcase.

Navigation Solutions, a Hertz Company and developer of the award-winning NeverLost in-car GPS system, and Magellan, a leader of innovative GPS devices and content services for vehicles, fitness, outdoor and mobile navigation, announce the selection of Magellan as the exclusive manufacturer for the NeverLost 6 platform, Hertz’s next generation of connected services, which will be integrated into Hertz vehicles in 2014.

A number of other off board components such as Keypad, LCD, camera module, Accelerometers and Gyros sensor board and etc. will connect through a flex cable

“As a long-time partner and a pioneer in the automotive navigation industry, Magellan was a logical choice for the Hertz NeverLost 6 platform,” commented Roger Stevens, president, Navigation Solutions. “Hertz prides itself on being the fastest and easiest car rental company and NeverLost is key to Hertz offering its customers flexible mobility solutions. Rental customers want useful navigation content, and popular travel services. Magellan’s SmartGPS Eco offers the right combination of relevant content and integration capabilities with the NeverLost 6 platform.”

In addition, Navigation Solutions has selected Magellan’s SmartGPS Eco for integration in Hertz vehicles in 2014. The Magellan SmartGPS Eco is the latest advancement in Magellan’s cloud based connected car services that delivers content saving drivers time and money, provide safer navigation and keep them informed with location and social content.

The Magellan SmartGPS Eco is a cloud based platform aggregating location and social content. It leverages the cloud for location intelligence, and personalization. Drivers can choose the content they want, and it is all displayed simultaneously in a standard HMI.

“Navigation Solutions is the GPS innovation leader in the rental car industry. Magellan is delighted to continue our long standing partnership with Navigation Solutions for the Hertz NeverLost program,” said Peggy Fong, president of MiTAC Digital Corporation. “We are proud to have Hertz NeverLost as a customer for the launch of our SmartGPS Eco services. The SmartGPS Eco aggregates unlimited content, which is then personalized based on driver preferences and location. Each driver gets the right content, at the right place, at the right time.”

Co-Star have just launched a between series coaxial adaptor that has been designed to quicky convert an antenna terminated with an FME female connector to SMB female.

SMB coaxial connectors are very common on DAB and Telematics equipment but most antennas for these types of applications are terminated with an FME female connector so Co-Star have developed the adaptor to enable engineers to quickly convert the FME female on the antenna to an SMB female without having to re-crimp and use additional tooling.

The right-angle design of the adaptor means that there is less strain on the antenna and it also makes the connection into the equipment easier and more secure.

Tim Cosgrove of Co-Star commented;

” We were approached by some of our OEM customers to come up with a solution to quickly change the termination on an antenna from FME female to SMB female for engineers installing DAB radio and Telematics equipment on site.

The antennas are installed to enhance the customers DAB experience so the quality of the connector is vital to the overall performance. It can be complicated and time consuming for engineers to re-crimp the antenna on-site as special tooling is required , so Co-Star designed an adaptor that quickly screws on to the existing factory fitted connector and converts it into an SMB female without having to use additional tooling and testing equipment. We used the right-angle design as it puts less strain on the antenna and makes the connection into the equipment secure. It has been a big hit with engineers as it allows them to quickly complete installations “.

Co-Star have a comprehensive range of between series adaptors to enable quick and easy conversions on antennas for different applications. For more information please visit our website: www.co-star.co.uk.

The students test the vehicle with Head of Engineering, Professor Simon Blackmore

Farmers around the world will be able to improve their irrigation efficiency thanks to an autonomous vineyard robot developed at Harper Adams University.

‘Dionysus’ has been created to use thermal imaging sensors to detect moisture levels in grape vines. This data will then be used to inform farmers as to whether irrigation is required.

Three MEng Agricultural Engineering students at the university in Shropshire have designed and built the project – James Thomas, Kit Franklin and Chris White.

23-year-old James from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “We had to select an appropriate vehicle to work in vineyards, in this case, a child’s quad bike. We then designed our own control systems to control steering, throttle and braking.

“We have also designed a series of safety features as when Dionysus is in autonomous mode, it is important that the engine cuts out, should a safety issue arise.”

Kit, 23, from South Cerney in Cirencester, added: “These systems are linked to a laptop running SAFAR agricultural robotic software, which takes readings from GPS and also a SICK laser scanner on the front of Dionysus.

“This then guides the vehicle on a pre-set path around the vineyard.”

The team has been working on the project for the past few months, building on skills and knowledge developed during the five years spent studying at Harper Adams.

Tasks were assigned to each team member to share the workload and to get to grips with the complex systems involved.

Kit added: “This project has enabled us to develop our skills in areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical systems engineering and applications engineering.

“As we’ve had to source suitable components from outside suppliers, there has been a lot of contact with professional engineers and industry experts.

“Developing Dionysus has proven to be very good training for our future careers.”

Dionysus is the first of many robotic/autonomous systems which are to be developed by the Harper Adams Engineering Department as part of the National Centre for Precision Farming (NCPF).

The NCPF promotes and evaluates the use of technology as a vital aspect of precision agriculture, building on Harper Adams University’s reputation as an innovator within engineering.

In a special article for Mobile News Magazine 02 business director Ben Dowd explains the opportunities 4G brings and how it can dramatically change our lives.

4G is the next logical step in the evolutionary world that is mobile technology.

It has businesses asking questions about the possibilities of 4G’s speed, and if this can really change how they work.

Looking back over this evolution, the first iteration of a new generation of connectivity came in the form of 2G, allowing us to call and message each other wirelessly. This dramatically changed the way we communicated.

However, at this stage sharing media required setting up Bluetooth, finding the other person’s device, and then singularly choosing what you wanted to send with painstaking waiting times.

Then 3G came along and once again revolutionised the mobile industry. It allowed us to get the internet on a device on the go, enabling employees to disregard the conventional fixed workspace and gave businesses more flexibility and connectivity.

However, we are living in a world where speed can always be faster and reach can always be further, so it was only a matter of time until the need for 4G arose.

Why do I need 4G?
While it is well documented that the speed of 4G is its differentiator, the question businesses have been asking us is, “What can 4G do for me?” Indeed, it provides up to five times faster communication speeds, but understanding the potential behind the 4G revolution as a result of these speeds is the real key to unlocking its benefits.

And one of the most amazing aspects of 4G is that it won’t just benefit larger enterprises, but small businesses from start-ups to one-man bands which rely on the internet will also be able to take advantage of 4G’s speed.

4G has the potential to guarantee limitless ways of working. There will be no more dashing to the office to log on to the Wi-Fi, just to download large documents to another device before a meeting; or returning to the office after meeting with a client, to simply add notes to a current presentation. Employees are able to edit directly on a device in the meeting room, and can therefore instantly send the updated version within minutes.

A contractor can make a video call to a structural engineer on a 4G-enabled tablet in a crisis situation and do a walk around of the building. This allows the structural engineer to make site assessments without leaving their desk, in turn enabling them to assist with more queries in a day’s work. Reports can be submitted instantly and wirelessly, and digital photo and video capture will simplify processes and reduce paperwork.

Healthcare
Healthcare is also no exception. Nurses out on their daily rounds are able to access up to date patient information in a heartbeat, even in homes which have no internet connection whatsoever. They would be able to update their records in an instant, meaning faster treatment for more patients. If there is a problem, they can then video conference in a specialist in order to assess a situation; thus allowing the specialist to assist with more cases per day as it will permit better remote management and monitoring, with a more accurate diagnosis.

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Emergency services will also be able to find real value in using 4G. The police are enabled to use wireless video cameras on their person to record any problems and occurrences at huge events. 4G means seamless video streaming to a control room where police can have a better overview of the event, without any disruption in connectivity at crucial moments. GPS tracking allows them to oversee the event with real time tactical monitoring, allowing officers to arrive at a location faster, meaning better even mobility and preventative deployment.

Return on investment
Even small businesses can save on costs by using 4G. They will be able to purchase 4G dongles for their small team of employees, instead of using an expensive broadband service that eats in to their monthly allowance. The reality of the potential for retail businesses will be difficult to ignore, as the online shopping via mobile devices industry will experience a significant increase as customers have faster and more reliable internet speeds from which they can get their shopping satisfaction. An increase of £300 worth of sales per month would match their 4G solution investment, thus increasing profits by £60 a month. Multiply these figures for huge retail companies and the outcome and benefits as a result could be huge.

Life-changing
Technology will continue to change the world. Businesses are all connected because of the impact on productivity and flexibility the internet has had on our daily working lives. Take these same possibilities wirelessly, and the potential is impossible to ignore. With the technology coming in to place imminently, the responsibility now lies with businesses to ensure they are 4G ready and able to immediately capitalise on the opportunities it is already providing. The ultimate outcome is flexibility.

It is important that businesses really capitalise on this development, and don’t ignore the benefits and new capabilities that could make their organisation’s and, in turn, their customers’ lives easier. In a broader sense, and via the possibilities given, companies will see the productivity of their staff improve. This will then enable the business to progress at a faster rate as there will be an increase in products and services being offered and created as a result. Progressing ahead of their competitors will be the ultimate gain in having a 4G-enabled business, and the 4G world will be a better and more productive place as a result.

Sierra Wireless delivers new level of flexibility to essential wireless connectivity for M2M

New AirPrime® HL Series modules are the smallest embedded wireless modules to be completely interchangeable across 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies; offer choice of snap-in connectivity or solder-down for scalable production; and are future-proof, thanks to over-the-air upgradability

Sierra Wireless have announced the launch of the latest additions to the AirPrime® HL Series of embedded wireless modules for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. The new AirPrime HL modules include satellite navigation support and are the smallest embedded wireless modules (22 x 23 mm) to be completely interchangeable across 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies. They provide device manufacturers with the ability to serve different regions, across multiple network technologies, with one device design.

The AirPrime HL Series is designed to be flexible, providing manufacturers with the choice of soldering down the module for efficient high-volume production, or using an innovative snap-in socket. With the snap-in socket, device manufacturers can quickly place the module in the device any time in the production cycle and swap 2G modules for 3G or 4G modules in the future, even in completed and field-deployed devices. With both the snap-in and solder-down options, manufacturers can leverage one design for their 2G, 3G, and 4G deployments, simply by changing the module installed in production – no other changes to the device design would be required.

In addition to the flexible hardware design, the AirPrime HL Series is designed to be future-proof. With AirVantage Management Service, an off-the-shelf cloud-based M2M platform from Sierra Wireless, customers can easily upgrade device firmware over-the-air for thousands or even millions of deployed devices at a time, ensuring they can stay in service for many years while lowering maintenance time and operating costs.

“We know that integrating new technology is one of the key challenges our customers face in their M2M deployments and it can prevent customers from deploying or evolving to new technologies as quickly as they would like to,” said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President, OEM Solutions for Sierra Wireless. “The AirPrime HL Series meets that challenge head-on, providing a clear and simple 2G-to-4G migration path, the flexibility to swap modules as required, and effective, scalable firmware management for post-deployment upgrades. It’s an innovative solution to some of the most critical issues we see in M2M deployments across multiple industries.”

The AirPrime HL Series is ideal for M2M communications applications in point-of-sale, smart grid, and fleet management or tracking, with GNSS (GPS and GLONASS) included. Samples of the first product in the series, called the HL6528 (2G), are available now with commercial shipments expected to begin in the first quarter of 2014. Samples of the HL8548 (3G) are expected to be available in the first quarter, with commercial shipments expected in mid-2014. 4G LTE versions will follow, with more specific launch dates to be announced later.